Pick and place machine with improved setup and operation procedure

Abstract

Embodiments of the present invention improve upon component level inspection performed by pick and place machines. Such improvements include providing first article inspection in pick and place machines by collecting images of the placement event inside the machine and identifying errors as they happen. By displaying this information as it is generated on the machine, the operator can take prompt and effective corrective actions. In one embodiment, images are taken of the placement location before and after placement of the component. These images are then processed and displayed to the operator shortly after the placement has completed. In addition to the images, key measurements are displayed to the operator to assist in the diagnosis of problems as they occur. Key features that are presented to the operator include absence/presence detection, vibration detection and manual visual inspection.

1 . A pick and place machine comprising: 
 an image acquisition device disposed to obtain at least one image within the pick and place machine; and    a database server operably coupled to the image acquisition device, the database server configured to store the at least one image and data relative to pick and place machine operation.    
   
   
       2 . The pick and place machine of  claim 1 , wherein the data relative to pick and place machine operation includes an indication of the quality of a placement operation.  
   
   
       3 . The pick and place machine of  claim 1 , wherein the data relative to pick and place machine operation includes vibration present within the pick and place machine.  
   
   
       4 . A method of acquiring images relative to pick and place machine operation, the method comprising: 
 acquiring an image of an operation within the pick and place machine; and    storing the image in a database.    
   
   
       5 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein the operation is a placement of a component on a workpiece.  
   
   
       6 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein the image is sent to the database through a common interface link.  
   
   
       7 . The method of  claim 6 , wherein the common interface link includes an Ethernet communication link.  
   
   
       8 . The method of  claim 4 , and further comprising querying the database.  
   
   
       9 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein the database is shared and wherein the image can be retrieved using an Internet communication protocol.